Friday, July 4, 2025

With more than 72 million Americans expected to travel between June 28 and July 6, states across the country are witnessing record-breaking surges in road trips, flights, and holiday getaways. From Orlando’s family-packed theme parks to the wide-open roads of the Midwest, this year’s Independence Day marks a nationwide tourism explosion that’s pulling in millions from coast to heartland.

Florida continues to hold its title as the epicenter of American summer travel. Orlando, with its world-famous theme parks, beaches, and cruise terminals, has once again claimed the top spot on AAA’s list of July 4 destinations. More than are expected to pass through Orlando International Airport between , making it the busiest airport in the country this holiday week. AAA forecasts that will travel during the holiday period, with many either headed to Orlando or passing through the city on their way to other popular coastal spots like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Beyond air traffic, Florida’s highways are also expected to be packed. AAA is preparing for a spike in roadside assistance calls, with traffic volumes climbing as families take advantage of the long weekend to hit the road.

Not far behind, , with expected to travel over the same nine-day stretch. That figure marks a over last year and represents one of the state’s highest travel volumes in recent years. Most of that movement will happen by car, reflecting strong interest in road trips. Flights and cruise departures from nearby ports, especially in Savannah and coastal areas, are also fueling travel demand.

In the Northeast, is helping lead the charge as part of a broader . AAA expects from New England states during the July 4 period, the majority of whom are opting to drive. With scenic highways and easy access to coastal getaways, the region is seeing a dramatic uptick in tourism activity. Connecticut travelers are heading to both in-state destinations like Mystic and out-of-state locations such as Cape Cod and the Adirondacks.

The is seeing no slowdown either. are experiencing a combined travel swell, driven by both outbound and inbound tourism. In total, more than (which includes both states) are expected to travel during the holiday week, according to AAA. That’s a over last year, highlighting the growing appeal of open-road travel in America’s heartland.

Road trips dominate this trend, as Midwesterners hit national parks, lakeside retreats, and city festivals. Events across Des Moines, Omaha, and Lincoln are also drawing regional travelers, adding to the holiday rush.

Even , traditionally lower on the national tourism radar, are seeing a notable travel spike. Whether it’s tourists making their way to , the , or , both states are capturing more attention from families and road-trippers looking for less crowded, nature-rich destinations. Travel from these states is included in the broader , further validating their rising tourism footprint.

Several factors are powering this extraordinary rise in domestic travel:

AAA Vice President of Travel noted that this combination is encouraging Americans to go big this summer — and the numbers are showing it.

Despite the excitement, AAA and transportation officials are advising travelers to plan ahead. Heavy road congestion, full airports, and potential weather disruptions could lead to delays. Travelers are encouraged to:

Florida is set to unite with Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota in powering the busiest Fourth of July travel week ever across the US, as falling gas prices, a long holiday weekend, and rising consumer confidence drive millions to hit the road and skies.

From Florida’s bustling theme parks to the winding roads of New England and the open skies of the Midwest, this Independence Day is shaping up to be . Florida may be in the lead, but it’s the collective movement of states like Georgia, Connecticut, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and more that’s making this year’s travel season a true nationwide celebration.

As the U.S. braces for record crowds on roads and in airports, one thing is clear — Americans are traveling with purpose, joy, and in record numbers this Fourth of July.

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